Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum is designed to offer all our children an engaging, exciting and fulfilling learning experience every day. We aim to build on prior learning and expand our pupils' knowledge and understanding of the world.

Our school values- love, respect, honesty, forgiveness, perseverance and stewardship- underpin our approach to curriculum design. We value contributions from all children and encourage them to show respect for the opinions and ideas of all their friends. Speldhurst CE Primary School is a safe, nurturing environment in which children can learn to ask questions, develop skills- both academic and social, and establish a love of learning which will last a lifetime.

At Speldhurst, we have high aspirations for all our children and our curriculum is designed to offer support and challenge so that all can make excellent progress and reach their potential. As well as fostering academic success, we encourage all our children to develop the confidence, independence and understanding to become world citizens who show compassion to those around them, regardless of age, faith, gender or race.

We believe children learn best when they enjoy what they are doing. Our curriculum is designed to offer a range of activities which enable children to be involved with the learning through hands-on experience, exciting trips away or visits from experts in their field. We make learning memorable and provide chances for children to develop skills which stay with them throughout their education and beyond. In order to be meaningful, children need to see the links between what they learn- not only between different subjects but also between knowledge they already possess, and experiences they have already had, both in school and outside of school.

At Speldhurst CE Primary School, our approach to SMSC supports our desire to see our children become active world citizens who can play a positive role in society both now and in the future. We are always so proud to hear about the wonderful things our pupils go on to do at secondary school and in the wider world beyond education. It is important that our children understand themselves and their place in the world, how diversity and difference can be such a positive, and that they can all make a real difference to the world through their words and actions.

At Speldhurst, we believe that children who show respect for themselves and others and who enjoy successful relationships with their peers and adults in the school are well-placed to learn in the most successful way. Our curriculum aims to find ways that children can show their talents and develop confidence to explore their potential in a range of areas including through sport, music, art and drama. The strong relationships between everyone in our school community alongside our broad and balanced curriculum enables all children and adults to thrive.

Our curriculum aims to give our children a voice- a chance to have their say and have an impact. We want to show them what they are capable of and that they can make a positive difference in their own lives through carefully chosen words and action. Our strong links to the village community provide opportunities for children to engage in meaningful activity which fosters a sense of collaboration, be it singing at the local care home at Christmas, delivering gifts at harvest time, taking part in church services, or setting up stalls at the village fete. The School Council provides a chance for children to engage in the democratic process through the election of members and sharing of ideas for school and curriculum development.

Our approach to curriculum aims to engage and inspire- to 'hook' the children into their learning. We want children to be curious and to want to find out more- both in school and in their own time out of school. Children are encouraged to work together and find creative solutions to problems. We encourage children to see learning as a journey and although challenges may arise, these should be seen as opportunities to learn and to grow, rather than something to shy away from. Our pupils feel safe to 'give things a go' and as a result, grow in confidence and learn from experience.

At Speldhurst, we aim to enrich our children's learning through trips and visits from experts. These memorable experiences are designed to build upon classroom learning, to allow learning to 'come alive', and provide opportunities for children to see their learning in context. We encourage parents to play an active role in their child's learning either through coming in to volunteer to hear children read, help out with special events, share knowledge from their career or lives, or support with home learning. We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful outdoor space here at Speldhurst and we make excellent use of the field and woodland area to enhance our curriculum offer. We have a dedicated Forest School practitioner, a specialist PE teacher who supports the development of our teachers as well as the children, and all staff seek opportunities to use the outdoors wherever possible in all curriculum areas.

Curriculum Implementation

At Speldhurst, our curriculum is implemented through careful planning, teaching, assessment and feedback. Our curriculum is broad and balanced and progressively builds on knowledge, skills and understanding year on year. The National Curriculum objectives are organised to ensure clear progression- our curriculum teams have worked to ensure the quality of what is delivered is first-rate and that children are able to enjoy their learning while accessing content which is sequenced and structured appropriately.

The teaching of reading is a priority, beginning in Reception and KS1 through the use of ‘Supersonic Phonic Friends’ to develop early phonic skills. Reading books in EYFS and KS1 are linked to the phonics the children learn in class to ensure consistency in this area. Reading and comprehension skills are taught throughout KS2 and children are able to develop a love of reading thanks to well-stocked classrooms and our wonderful library. The use of Accelerated Reader enables staff to assess children’s understanding of a range of reading skills. Maths is taught using the White Rose scheme which ensures children develop sound understanding of mathematical concepts and allows them to apply their knowledge to problem solving and reasoning questions. We use Cornerstones Curriculum resources to support our wider curriculum areas and as such, we are able to ensure clear progression as well as exciting and varied learning experiences throughout all subject areas.

All staff at Speldhurst School enjoy ample opportunity to further their professional knowledge and understanding so that they can be in the best position to deliver high-quality educational experiences for our children. We have specialist professionals delivering PE throughout the school and music lessons across KS2. We enjoy regular visits from the Rector of St Mary’s Church as well as other members of the church community to enhance our teaching and learning of RE.

Children at Speldhurst School benefit from the strong relationships between children and adults. Teachers and support staff know the children well and teach in a way that works for the children in the class. Discussion is always encouraged and misunderstandings are picked up on in a sensitive way to ensure children feel safe and secure in their learning. Teachers use high-quality resources in the classroom and children have access to everything they need to express themselves and demonstrate what they have learned. We encourage children to show pride in all they do and we celebrate progress and success through showcasing work throughout the school.

The school has clear assessment procedures for children in each subject area. We ensure that parents are aware of their child’s progress through parent consultations, open classrooms and written reports. Parents are made aware of ways they can support their children at home and are always welcome to come into school for discussions with teachers. Senior leaders engage with teaching staff each term through Pupil Progress Meetings during which children who require extra support or additional challenge are discussed and planned for accordingly. This way, no child is left behind and all are able to reach their potential. Support staff are used effectively to ensure all children get the most out of their time in the classroom. Interventions are planned alongside our SENCo and the progress and achievement of all children is tracked carefully with approaches to teaching and learning adapted as appropriate.

Curriculum Impact

Through our clear and aspirational intent, and our structured and rigorous implementation of the curriculum, we strive for all our children to be successful at Speldhurst School. The impact of our broad and balanced curriculum will be evident through our children.

Children will:

• be enthusiastic about talking about their learning
• be able to explain what they have learned and what impact it has had on them
• share the enjoyment they experience at school
• be proud of their work and able to explain the process of how they progress and achieve
• know that they are part of a community and that they are supported and cared for
• be proud of being part of Speldhurst School and the progress they have made
• be confident learners who know that challenges can be overcome
• know that they can make a difference
• show care and compassion for all
• enjoy learning and aim high